Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has sent his condolences to the government and the people of the Republic of South Africa on the passing of former President Nelson Mandela. Relaying his message through Fiji’s Foreign Ministry to the government of the Republic of South Africa, Bainimarama said every Fijian joined him in being deeply saddened by the death of Mandela.
"It is not only a great loss for the South African people. Madiba touched the lives of billions around the world, including every Pacific Islander." "We keenly feel his passing and convey our profound regret and condolences to the Government and people of South Africa." He said while Mandela gained global fame for his struggle against the evil of apartheid, he will be most remembered for the way in which he reconciled former enemies, united all South Africans and set the nation on a different path and this was an example to the whole world and will continue to set a benchmark of exemplary national leadership.
"We were also touched by his personal qualities – his humanity, dignity and bearing. These are qualities that are also deeply valued in Fijian society and which made your former President a revered figure in our small island nation." "The thoughts of every Fijian are with the South African people as you mourn the loss of this great man. He was not only leader of South Africa but a beacon of courage, decency and selflessness for the whole world. He was genuinely loved and we will never forget him." - Fiji Ministry of Information
"It is not only a great loss for the South African people. Madiba touched the lives of billions around the world, including every Pacific Islander." "We keenly feel his passing and convey our profound regret and condolences to the Government and people of South Africa." He said while Mandela gained global fame for his struggle against the evil of apartheid, he will be most remembered for the way in which he reconciled former enemies, united all South Africans and set the nation on a different path and this was an example to the whole world and will continue to set a benchmark of exemplary national leadership.
"We were also touched by his personal qualities – his humanity, dignity and bearing. These are qualities that are also deeply valued in Fijian society and which made your former President a revered figure in our small island nation." "The thoughts of every Fijian are with the South African people as you mourn the loss of this great man. He was not only leader of South Africa but a beacon of courage, decency and selflessness for the whole world. He was genuinely loved and we will never forget him." - Fiji Ministry of Information
In Pretoria, South Africa, Nelson Mandela receives several volumes of the final report made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a group designed to repair the damage done during the apartheid, from Archbishop Desmond Tutu on October 29, 1998.
